Influence of Growth and Protein Content of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia Illucens L.) Reared with Local Fruits in Ban So Village, Mae Na Ruea, Phayao, Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the growth rate and protein content of black soldier fly larvae reared on various diets, including pumpkin: rice bran, Namwa banana: rice bran, mango: rice bran, and a mixed fruit: rice bran formulation. Additionally, the study assessed the average light intensity, temperature, relative humidity within a greenhouse, and the moisture content of the feed. The experiment comprised four treatment groups, each containing 50 larvae, with five replicates per group. Larval growth was monitored by measuring body length and weight at 10, 17, and 24 days of age to calculate average values. Environmental parameters—light intensity, temperature, relative humidity—and feed moisture were recorded at the same intervals. Protein content in the larvae was determined using the Kjeldahl method. The results indicated an average light intensity of 1,420.14 ± 642.36 lux, an average relative humidity of 80.86 ± 6.44%, an average temperature of 28.35 ± 1.52°C within the greenhouse, and a feed moisture content of 82.24 ± 5.25%. Among the different dietary treatments, larvae fed the mixed fruit diet exhibited the greatest body length (18.30 ± 3.57 mm), while those fed the pumpkin-based diet achieved the highest body weight (7.72 ± 4.32 g). Furthermore, larvae consuming the pumpkin diet attained the highest protein content (40.87 ± 0.87%). These findings suggest that pumpkin-based diets promote superior growth and protein accumulation in black soldier fly larvae compared to other dietary formulations.